Marco Rubio says "have directly engaged in efforts by the ICC" on targeting non‑consenting countries

Washington has imposed entry bans and financial restrictions on two International Criminal Court employees: its president, Tomoko Akane, and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that both were directly involved in ICC moves to investigate, arrest, or prosecute officials from countries that have not agreed to the court’s authority. The tribunal rejected the penalties as an unacceptable attack on its impartial work, and Japan—its leading donor—voiced regret. The action extends a US campaign against the court, which Rubio has called corrupt and overly political, and follows earlier sanctions tied to ICC investigations involving Israel, including a 2024 warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ICC has warned that targeting judicial staff undermines the international legal order.